Brian Boucher eliminated Marty Brodeur, Ilya Kovalchuck and the rest of the NJ Devils last night. Boucher’s numbers? 1.59 GAA and 0.940SP. Second in the playoffs only to Chicago’s Antii Niemi (1.51 GAA; 0.948SP) – another team that had (supposed) goaltending issues.

The Habs average goals-against-per-game? Worst in the NHL at 4.75. Nashville’s tops with a miniscule 1.75 GAA.

Oh, and we’re also worst in the faceoff circle, at only 40.2%.

…

So, Chris, any reasons to be optimistic?

Well, nobody expected us to win Game 1.
Nobody expects us to win tonight.
We steal tonight’s game and have another shot to even the series Monday, at home.Would we then be able to win three in a row?

Ask me that question later tonight – after I’ve had my fifth pint of optimism.